I’m not the type of Registered Dietitian to recommend swapping all of your favorite sweets and treats for a healthified version. But these nutritious date caramel apple slices might be the exception.

These little bites are chewy, sweet, a little salty, and super satisfying. As a dessert lover myself, I can tell you that this delicious treat truly satisfies… and it’s just a bonus that it’s packed with nutrition too.

Date caramel slices displayed on white parchment

Ingredients for healthy caramel apple slices

To make this recipe, you’ll need five simple ingredients:

  • Apple slices — I recommend granny smith for this recipe, but use what you have.
  • Crushed peanuts — opt for dry roasted and salted for the best balance.
  • Medjool dates — these are what makes the ‘caramel’ in these caramel apple slices.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips — for taste but also to hold everything together.
  • Flakey sea salt — I LOVE a good sweet and salty balance, so this is a must.

Step-by-step instructions

You’ll only need about 15-minutes to make these healthy caramel apple slices.

Here’s how:

  1. Prepare parchment paper: Line a large plate with parchment paper.
  2. Flatten dates: Open your pitted dates and flatten them on the parchment paper, placing them about 2 inches apart. I recommend having the inside of the dates facing up. Use the bottom of a cup to flatted if needed.
  3. Add apple slices: Add an apple slice on top of each date and press firmly.
  4. Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe dish, melt your chocolate chips. Warm them in 15-second intervals and stir in between, being careful not to burn your chocolate.
  5. Drizzle chocolate: Drizzle each apple slice with a generous amount of melted chocolate. Make sure your drizzle covers the apple slice and date, since this will help hold them together once cooled.
  6. Sprinkle peanuts and salt: Immediately top each slice with crushed peanuts and sea salt. Transfer to the refrigerator and cool for at least 10-minutes before eating.

Tips for success

It’s hard to mess up a recipe this easy and delicious! But there are a few things to keep in mind to make these caramel apple slices as perfect as possible.

  • Cut your apple slices thin and evenly. Aim to make each slice a quarter-inch thick.
  • It’s better to melt too much chocolate than to run out. When in doubt, add an extra tablespoon or two!
  • Flatten your dates with the sticky side (inside) of the date facing up. This helps hold the apple and date together.
  • If your apple slices and dates aren’t sticking together, use a small dot of melted chocolate as glue.
  • Be generous with your chocolate drizzle! Make sure the chocolate reaches the edge of the apple slice and date to help them stick together better.
  • Don’t skip the sea salt… these won’t taste salty, they’ll just taste balanced!
date caramel slices displayed on white parchment

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! I prefer granny smith for their tartness, but you’re welcome to use whatever apples you have on hand.

Help! My apple and date aren’t sticking together.

First, make sure your date is facing sticky-side (inside) up. Then, make sure you’re pressing your apple onto the date firmly. The chocolate drizzle will help everything stick together, but if you’re worried, feel free to melt some extra chocolate and use it to glue the dates and apple slices together.

Can I omit the peanuts?

Yes, you can omit the peanuts if you have an allergy or don’t have them stocked. But they add a good crunch, so add another nut or seed if you have it available.

How long will these stay good in the fridge?

The apples will start to brown after a few hours, so I recommend preparing these the same day you want to eat them. If browning doesn’t bother you, these will stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days if stored in food containers with air tight lids.

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Date caramel slices displayed on white parchment
5 from 1 vote

Date Caramel Apple Slices

Yield: 6 slices
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Need a sweet treat while working on your health? Try these nutritious date caramel apple slices for a balanced snack or dessert.
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Ingredients
 

  • 6 slices granny smith apple, about 1/2 cm thick
  • 1 Tbsp dry roasted and salted peanuts, crushed
  • 6 medjool dates, pitted
  • 3-4 Tbsp semi sweet chocolate chips
  • pinch flakey sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Line a large plate with parchment paper.
  • Open your pitted dates and flatten them on the parchment paper, placing them about 2 inches apart. I recommend having the inside of the dates facing up. Use the bottom of a cup to flatted if needed.
  • Add an apple slice on top of each date and press firmly. *See notes.
  • In a microwave-safe dish, melt your chocolate chips. Warm them in 15-second intervals and stir in between, being careful not to burn your chocolate.
  • Drizzle each apple slice with a generous amount of melted chocolate. Make sure your drizzle covers the apple slice and date, since this will help hold them together once cooled.
  • Immediately top each slice with crushed peanuts and sea salt. Transfer to the refrigerator and cool for at least 10-minutes before eating.

Notes

*If you’re planning to travel with your caramel apple slices, I recommend using a small dollop of chocolate to hold the date and apple together. You may need to melt an additional 1-2 Tbsp of chocolate chips to do so. 
Serving: 1slice, Calories: 124kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.5mg, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 228mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 44IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack